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Circulars 1-31

CIRCULAR 12 May 1997

  1. FOURTH FORUM MEETING , WORKING PARTY MEETINGS, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS - SEPTEMBER 1997

    • 1.1 Venue of Forum and Working Party meetings.
      Following on from Circular 11 in January, this is to confirm that the Fourth Forum meeting will be hosted by the National Research Laboratory of Metrology (NRLM) and held at the NRLM Conference Centre in Tsukuba, Japan. The Director General of the NRLM, Dr Hidetaka IMAI will chair the Forum meeting.

      The planning of the above meetings and workshops/seminars has been initiated and we would like to inform Forum members of recent developments. It is proposed to hold meetings on the following dates in September 1997:

      • 22 Sept - 23 Sept Workshop on Introduction to High Capacity Flowmeters
      • 24 Sept - Factory Tour (Flowmeters)
      • 24 Sept - 26 Sept Workshop/Seminar on Legislation & Administration
      • 27 Sept - Working Party meeting on Utility meters, Pre-packed articles and Mutual recognition arrangements
      • 29 Sept - 30 Sept - Fourth APLMF meeting
      • 1 Oct - 3 Oct - Workshop on Train the Trainer Module on Implementation of OIML Recommendation 76 (non-automatic weighing instruments)
        (* Note: In Circular 11, the Secretariat has circulated an enquiry form on member's preference for the location of holding this workshop, and indications are that the majority of members prefer this workshop to be held in Tsukuba).


      • 1.2 Forum Meeting
        In Circular 11, the Secretariat had enclosed forms for members to indicate their attendance at the Forum/workshop meetings. We are pleased to inform that we have received very positive response from member economies regarding the forthcoming meetings.

        We have received response on the number of delegates to the Forum from Canada (2), Indonesia (3), Korea (3), Malaysia (2), New Zealand (2), Russia (3), Thailand (4), USA (3) and Vietnam (5), (plus Australia and Japan).

        We would appreciate it if member economies who have not replied to return the survey forms to the Secretariat as soon as possible.

      • 1.3 Workshops/Seminars

        As you would recall, Dr Knut Birkeland has made a number of Recommendations in the Survey of Legal Metrology Technical Infrastructure Needs in Asia-Pacific Developing Economies, among which were the workshops on legislation and administration (Recommendation 3), high capacity flowmeters (Recommendation 12), and Implementation of OIML Recommendation 76 (non-automatic weighing instruments) (Recommendation 13). The organisation of the following workshops/seminars is a response to that need.

      • 1.3.1 Workshop/Seminar on Introduction to High Capacity Flowmeters

        The preparation of the above workshop/seminar is well under way. The training package for the workshop will include a video which we hope to translate into different languages. We would like to invite members' participation in the translation of the video. Please inform the Secretariat if you are able to provide translation. The curriculum outline for this training course and the training material have also been completed. A copy of the course outline is attached in Appendix 1.
      • 1.3.2 Workshop/Seminar on Legislation and Administration

        The planning of this workshop is in progress. This workshop will address issues associated with modernisation of the legislative and administrative system. It is proposed to establish a small high level group to prepare and present the workshop, comprising:

        • J Birch, Convenor APLMF
        • Dr K Birkeland , Former Director General, Norwegian Metrology Service & President of OIML (1980-1994)
        • R Knapp Former Director General, Legal Metrology Industry Canada
        • The small group will bring to the issue wide experience in Australia, North America and Europe. Mr Knapp, since his retirement in 1994, has participated in a review of the Canadian Legal Metrology System. Dr Birkeland, who conducted the Survey of Legal Metrology Technical Infrastructure in Asia-Pacific Developing Economies, is preparing a document for OIML on Legal Metrology in the 21st century.

          It is proposed to prepare a position paper which identifies the issues and options for modern metrology legislation and administration for circulation by 1 July to all Forum members. An outline of the seminar is attached in Appendix 2.
      • 1.3.3 Workshop/Seminar on Train the Trainer Module on Implementation of OIML Recommendation 76 (non automatic weighing instruments) This project is an extension of the Joint Australia-China Collaboration on Measurement Skills which was recently initiated and which recognised the need for such training to promote the development of measurement skills of personnel involved in training, calibration and testing. The preparation of the workshop is well under way.

        A committee comprising members of China State Bureau of Technical Supervision (CSBTS) Mme. Guo Lisheng, Director of Division for International Organisations of the Department of International Cooperation, CSBTS; Prof Shi Changyan, Chief Engineer, China National Institute of Metrology; Mr Guan Shenmin, Director of Division for Value Dissemination, CSBTS; Mr Han Jianping, Deputy Secretary General of Chinese Secretariat of OIML; Mr Wang Zhenwen, Senior Engineer, Chinese expert on Non-automatic weighing instruments; Ms Ma Wenxiu official of CSBTS, and Mrs Kerry Marston from Australia have been involved in the organisation of the workshop and have held discussions in Beijing and Shanghai.

        In Australia, technical staff at the National Standards Commission have been involved in the preparation of the workshop. A software on the format of R76 Test Reports has been developed on disk and this will be distributed free to participants at the workshop. In addition, a video presentation for R76 has been developed to supplement the training and finally, the training manual is in the process of being completed. A curriculum outline for the workshop is attached in Appendix 3.

      • 1.4 APLMF Tsukuba Preparatory Committee (ATPC) and Information Package on APLMF meeting in Tsukuba
        The NRLM has formed an APLMF Tsukuba Preparatory Committee (ATPC) to organise the APLMF Forum and workshops/seminars, with Dr Ken-ichi Tanaka as Chairman and Mr Atsushi Kirita as Secretary.

        The ATPC has prepared an Information Package on hotel accommodation, transport arrangements, maps etc. and these will be sent to delegates soon. With regard to hotel accommodation, the ATPC would like all hotel accommodation to be arranged through them. We would like to pre-empt delegates that confirmation for hotel accommodation would be required by 1 July.

  2. REPORT OF THE THIRD ASIA-PACIFIC LEGAL METROLOGY FORUM, VANCOUVER, 1996
    • 2.1 The finalised report of the third APLMF held in Vancouver has been circulated to all delegates, observers and member economies in February. We would urge members to note the Resolutions in the Report and would appreciate any proposals/comments on the programs and activities of the Forum.


  3. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MoU)

    Indonesia has sent in a comment on the above. If there are any other comments, the Secretariat would appreciate to receive them as soon as possible. A copy of the up-dated MoU is attached in Appendix 4.
  4. INTERCOMPARISON TESTING OF LOAD CELLS

    The OIML Technical Committee TC9 (Secretariat: NIST, USA) will be holding a meeting to discuss the revision to OIML recommendation R60 for load cells to be held in July at NWML in London, UK. OIML R60 is to form the basis for the APLMF Intercomparison. As the majority of APLMF and WELMEC members wishing to participate in the intercomparison are also members of OIML TC9, it is proposed that an APLMF working party meeting be held in conjunction with the OIML meeting. Members of the working party on Load Cells have been notified of the meeting, the details are:

    • Location - National Weights & Measures Laboratory, London, UK.
    • Date - Monday July 7th, 1997.
    • Time - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.
  5. HANDBOOK OF LEGAL METROLOGY IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC, 1997

    At the third Forum meeting in Vancouver, Canada in November 1996, Forum resolved that a Handbook of Legal Metrology in the Asia-Pacific, to include up-dated information on legal metrology from member economies, as well as additional information such as specialised testing facilities, be published. The Secretariat is now up-dating the entries/information from APEC economies, and the Handbook is expected to be published this year.

    The information provided by your organisation/economy in the Directory of Legal Metrology (March 1995) may need to be up-dated and we would appreciate it if you would send the necessary up-dated information to the Secretariat as soon as possible, preferably by 30 June 1997.

    I believe that this new publication of the Handbook of Legal Metrology in the Asia-Pacific, 1997, would provide further information which would lead to improvement in the understanding of the nature of legal metrology in each economy and contribute to regional harmonization of requirements.
  6. WORKING GROUPS ON MEDICAL MEASUREMENTS (PROJECT ON SPHYGMOMANOMETERS); WORKING GROUP ON RICE MOISTURE METERS

    This is a reminder to members to return the Participation Form to the Secretariat as soon as possible. To-date, USA and Vietnam have indicated interest in the WG on Medical Measurements and Thailand and USA on WG on Rice Moisture Meters.

  7. APLMF WEB PAGE ON THE INTERNET

    The APLMF has registered a Web page on the Internet and the address is:
    http://www.aplmf.org
    Information on the APLMF, Circulars and other up-dated information on APLMF activities are posted in the web pages, and members are invited to visit the site. Members are also encouraged to send in any information that they may wish to be put on the Web pages to the Secretariat.

  8. REPORT OF THE 1ST APEC CONFERENCE ON STANDARDS AND CONFORMANCE

    A copy of the above report is attached for information of members. As you would recall, this conference was held from 9-11 October 1996 in the Philippines.

APPENDIX 1

APLMF TRAINING MODULE - INTRODUCTION TO HIGH CAPACITY FLOWMETERS
  1. Fluid Flow Measurement

    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the instrumentation in a high capacity volumetric flowmeter system
      • identify the basic components of a high capacity flowmeter system
      • (pipeline, truck loading, ship loading, truck meters, supply tank, gas separators, corrective and conversions devices)
      • describe the principles of positive displacement type flowmeters as flow rate is increased
      • describe the principles of inferential type flowmeters as flow rate is increased
    • Explain the principles of high capacity fluid flow measurement

      • list the factors affecting fluid flow in a pipeline or duct
      • outline the principles of measuring flow in terms of volumetric flow using inferential and positive displacement methods
      • calculate flow rate from the measurement of physical quantities
      • identify the components in the standard differential pressure flow equation.
      • explain the sources of error and calculate uncertainty that will affect high capacity flow measurement (sources of error - viscosity, pressure, temperature speed)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the pattern approval process

      • explain the purpose of pattern approval
      • outline the pattern approval procedure
      • outline the verification and re-verification approval procedure
    • Calibrate a liquid flowmeter prover
      Understand the principles involved in:

      • commissing a proving device in preparation for calibration as per manufacturer's specifications.
      • calibrating the meter prover and ancillary equipment such as checking counters, diverters and weighing instruments to the manufacturers' specifications.
      • applying the appropriate safety precautions during the calibration process
      • preparing a calibration report to satisfy the requirements of an accrediting authority
      • applying the special requirements for LPG(Liquid Petroleum Gas)

    • Calibrate a liquid flowmetering system
      Understand the principles involved in:

      • setting up a system for high capacity fluid flow calibration using the appropriate test equipment for liquid flow measurement devices.
      • applying the appropriate safety precautions during the calibration process
      • carrying out and record a pre-calibration check
      • calibrating the components of the system
    • Report the results of the calibration
      Understand how to:

      • analyse the calibration results of a liquid flow system
      • verify the overall performance of the system by comparison of the results from the meter prover calibration results
      • estimate the uncertainty of the calibration
      • adjust the results to meet the actual operating conditions under which the meter will be functioning
      • assign a suitable time interval for the next calibration of the system
      • prepare a calibration report for the system


  2. Gas Flow Measurement
    • Explain the principles of gas flow measurement
      • list the physical and thermodynamic factors affecting gas flow in a pipeline
      • outline the principles of measuring gas flow in terms of volumetric flow using inferential and positive displacement methods and mass flow
      • identify the factors which affect the accuracy of gas flow measurement.
      • apply the gas flow formula to determine unknown variables.


    • Calibrate a high capacity gas flowmeter prover
      Understand the principles involved in:

      • commissing a proving device in preparation for calibration as per manufacturer's specifications.
      • calibrating the flowmeter prover and ancillary equipment such as checking counters, diverters and weighing instruments to the manufacturer's specifications.
      • applying the appropriate safety precautions during the calibration process.
      • preparing a calibration report to satisfy the requirements of an accrediting authority.
    • Calibrate a high capacity gas flowmetering system
      Understand the principles involved in:

      • setting up a system for flow calibration using the appropriate test equipment for gas flow measurement devices
      • applying the appropriate safety precautions during the calibration process
      • carrying out and record a pre-calibration check
      • calibrating the components of the system
    • Report the results of a calibration
      Understand how to:

      • analyse the calibration results of a gas flowmetering system.
      • verify the overall performance of the system by the comparison of the results from the meter prover calibration results.
      • calculate the uncertainty of the calibration.
      • adjust the results to meet the actual operating condition under which the meter will be functioning.
      • assign a suitable time interval for the next calibration of the system.
      • prepare a calibration report for the system.

APPENDIX 2

TOPICS FOR WORKSHOP ON
LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATION

  • CURRENT CHALLENGES TO LEGAL METROLOGY
  • MEASUREMENT LEGISLATION
    • Units and standards of measurement, traceability
    • Metrological control of the national measurement system
  • TRADE MEASUREMENT LEGISLATION
    • Pattern approval
    • Verification, reverification
    • Pattern compliance
    • Short measure
    • Pre-packed goods - sampling schemes, allowed deficiencies, drained weight, standard sizes
  • TRADE MEASUREMENT ADMINISTRATION
    • Retail
    • Commercial
    • Standards Laboratories
    • Service organisations - licensed to verify and reverify
    • Pattern approval - OIML Recommendations
  • UTILITY METERS LEGISLATION - ADMINISTRATION
    • Standards - international harmonisation
    • Pattern approval
    • Verification and reverification
    • Statistical sampling
  • PRIVATISATION, COST RECOVERY, COMPETITION POLICY CONTESTABILITY
  • LEGAL METROLOGY LEGISLATION
    • Japanese Measurement Law
  • LEGAL METROLOGY ADMINISTRATION
  • ACCREDITATION OF LEGAL METROLOGY

APPENDIX 3

APLMF TRAIN THE TRAINER MODULE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF OIML R76 (NON-AUTOMATIC WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS)

At the completion of this Module the student will be able to
Conduct pattern approval testing on non-automatic weighing instruments according to the criteria set out in OIML Recommendation 76.
By being able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles and construction of non-automatic weighing instruments

    • Identify the main features of the indication of a variety of instruments.
    • Dismantle and identify the major components of a variety of instruments.
    • Describe the functions of the major components of a variety instruments.
  2. Calculate and interpret errors for an instrument under test
    • Classify the instrument according to the OIML R 76 criteria.
    • Apply the appropriate MPE for the class Recognise the symbols used in the error formula, and apply the conventions for recording the information.
    • Calculate and record the error for each of the performance tests required for a particular instrument.
    • Compare the calculated error with the MPE for the instrument under test.
    • Determine the results of the performance tests for any instrument under test.
  3. Prepare the measuring instrument for testing
    • Familiarise themselves with the instrument by initial observation, noting the accuracy of the information provided by the submitter.
    • Document general information about the instrument.
    • Carry out initial stabilisation and leveling of the instrument prior to testing.
    • Check that the instrument has been calibrated to the MPE by the submitter.
  4. Prepare an efficient work plan that will meet OIML R76 requirements
    • List the performance tests for the instrument under test.
    • Identify the limiting factors for each test.
    • State the general conditions that will apply in each test.
    • Prepare a testing sequence that takes into account the general conditions and all the limiting factors for the instrument under test.
  5. Determine the range of zero-setting and zero tracking devices for the EUT

    • Explain the purpose of the test.
    • Determine the initial range of zero-setting.
    • Calculate and record the result.
    • Consider its application for the remaining test procedures (more or less then 20%) Use these results to determine the number of tests required.
    • Perform the test to determine range of zero-setting.
    • Record, calculate and document results.
  6. Conduct a discrimination or sensitivity test

    • Discuss the purpose of the discrimination and sensitivity test.
    • Select the appropriate test for the instrument under test.
    • Justify the selection in terms of OIML criteria.
    • Apply the test to determine the sensitivity of the instrument.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
  7. Conduct an eccentricity test

    • Discuss the aim of this test.
    • Determine the type of load receptor.
    • Select and apply the appropriate test.
    • Justify the selection in terms of the appropriate OIML criteria.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
  8. Apply an initial weighing performance test

    • Outline the purpose of this test.
    • State the OIML criteria relevant to this test.
    • Perform initial weighing performance test.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
  9. Apply a balanced span stability test program

    • Describe the purpose of this test.
    • Discuss the OIML criteria used to determine the span stability testing periods.
    • Determine the testing sequence for a balanced span stability test sequence throughout the total testing period to comply with OIML criteria.
    • Conduct the tests at the appropriate time.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
    • Plot the results in the established way and interpret.
  10. Carry out a time dependence test

    • Outline the aim of this test.
    • State the OIML criteria for a time dependence test.
    • Set up instrument to apply zero return and creep tests.
    • Record, calculate and document results.
    • Discuss why this test should not be conducted immediately after the repeatability test
  11. Conduct a tare checking test

    • Discuss the purpose of the test.
    • Explain the OIML criteria relevant to this test.
    • Establish, if appropriate, the accuracy of the tare device.
    • Perform weighing test using at least two different tare values.
    • Compare results of tare weighing device with the indicating device, if appropriate.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
  12. Conduct a test for the stability of equilibrium

    • Describe the purpose of the test.
    • State the OIML criteria relevant to this test.
    • Determine for the instrument under test whether this test is required.
    • Perform test if required.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
  13. Apply a repeatability test
    • Discuss the aim of the test.
    • State the OIML criteria relevant to this test.
    • Perform weighing test.
    • Record, calculate and document the results.
  14. Perform tests to determine the effect of various influence factors
    • Describe the purpose in testing for each of the following influence factors:
      • - tilting,
      • - warm-up time,
      • - temperature,
      • - voltage variations, and
      • - damp heat, steady state.
    • Discuss the OIML criteria to determine the effect of each of the above influence factors.
    • Outline any specific conditions that apply in any of the above tests.
    • Set up the instrument and conduct each of the above tests in accordance with the appropriate OIML criteria.
    • Record, calculate and document the results of each test.
  15. Perform tests to determine the effect of various disturbance factors
    • Describe the purpose in testing for each of the following disturbance factors:
      • - short time power reductions,
      • - bursts.
      • - electrostatic discharge, and
      • - immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields.
    • Discuss the OIML criteria to determine the effect of each of the above disturbance factors Outline any specific conditions that apply in any of the above tests.
    • Set up the instrument and conduct each of the above tests in accordance with the appropriate OIML criteria.
    • Record, calculate and document the results of each test.
  16. Conduct an endurance test
    • Discuss the purpose of this test.
    • State the OIML criteria relevant to this test.
    • Perform an endurance test.
    • Record, calculate and document the results
  17. Determine whether or not to approve the pattern for the instrument under test
    • Complete all the documentation including the checklists.
    • Determine the final result for pattern approval
    • Justify this decision with reference to all OIML criteria.

APPENDIX 4
APLMF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
(Second draft - November 1996)

  1. PREAMBLE

    The Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) is a grouping of legal metrology authorities in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, whose main objective is the development of legal metrology and the promotion of free and open trade in the region through the harmonisation and removal of technical or administrative barriers to trade in the field of legal metrology.
    This Memorandum of Understanding represents a commitment by Members of APLMF to work towards achieving the aims of APLMF as outlined in this document using the mechanisms specified herein.
  2. DEFINITIONS

    • a) Membership
    • Full Membership is open to legal metrology authorities in all economies within the Asia-Pacific Region.
      Associate Membership is open to legal metrology authorities in economies in neighbouring regions that have a special interest and can make a special contribution to the activities of APLMF.
    • b) Signatory
    • A signatory is an Institution a delegate in whose name the Memorandum of Understanding is signed on behalf of the Member authority.
    • c) Member
    • A Member is an organisation responsible for legal metrology for in its economy within the Asia-Pacific Region. When more than one authority has responsibility for legal metrology, each shall be eligible to be a Member.
    • d) Associate Member
    • An Associate Member is an organisation responsible for legal metrology for in its economy, which is located in a neighbouring region to the Asia-Pacific Region.
    • e) Delegate
    • Each Member can appoint Delegates to the Forum, but each economy shall have only one vote.

      The Memorandum of Understanding refers to "Signatories", "Members" and "Delegates".

      Signatories, Heads of Member organisations and Delegates may or may not be the same person depending upon the circumstances appropriate to each economy.
    • f) Asia-Pacific Region
    • The Asia-Pacific Region encompasses those economies on the Pacific rim.
    • g) Convenor
    • Elected head of APLMF, holding office for a term of four years, and supported by a Secretariat.
    • h) Region/Regional
    • The Asia-Pacific Region specifically.

  3. RESOLUTION

    • 3.1 The Signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding declare their common intention to take part in the Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF), an Asia-Pacific collaboration in legal metrology, and to participate in its activities in pursuit of its objectives to the extent that this is possible.
    • 3.2 The activities of the APLMF will be decided and coordinated by the Forum. The Forum ensures that specific tasks are pursued in accordance with the objectives of APLMF.
  4. OBJECTIVES OF APLMF
    The participating legal metrology organisations intend to collaborate in APLMF to promote the coordination and integrity of legal metrology activities and services in order to achieve greater harmony of measurement and testing within the Region and build mutual confidence in measurement between Members. Specific objectives are:
    • a) To identify and promote the removal of technical or administrative barriers to trade in the field of legal metrology.
    • b) To develop and maintain mutual confidence between legal metrology authorities in the Asia-Pacific region.
    • c) To provide a forum for exchange of information between legal metrology authorities.
    • d) To promote mutual recognition arrangements between Members and with other regional groups and individual economies.
    • e) To cooperate with the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) and promote the use and acceptance of OIML International Recommendations and other publications and the OIML Certification Scheme.
    • f) To collaborate with other regional bodies in the field of legal metrology.
    • g) To coordinate regional training courses in legal metrology and facilitate exchange of staff between authorities.
    • h) To facilitate the provision of cooperation assistance for the development of legal metrology infrastructure.
    • 4.2 In pursuit of these objectives APLMF will seek to:
    • a) Encourage and facilitate collaboration among interested Members on specific projects.
    • b) Establish working groups in specific fields of legal metrology.
    • c) Transfer expertise in the field of measurement standards and pattern approval testing between Members through seminars. conferences, workshops, training programs, consultancies and technical publications.
    • d) Initiate interlaboratory test comparisons to allow assessment of accuracies in order to gain international recognition of measurement capabilities of Member laboratories.
    • e) Maintain an up-to-date database of technical infrastructure capabilities and services available within the Region.
    • f) Establish and maintain effective links with other region-based metrological bodies.
    • g) Collaborate with other bodies within the Asia-Pacific Region that are active in measurement standards, pattern approval testing and conformance.
    • h) Develop and maintain multilateral Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) between Members and develop MRAs with other regional bodies.
    • i) Undertake other activities as decided by the Forum from time to time.
  5. MODUS OPERANDI
    • 5.1 The working language of APLMF is English.
    • 5.2 The role of the Forum.
      The Forum meets to review and discuss the aims and specific tasks of APLMF. The Forum itself decides upon its rules of procedure. The Forum elects the next Convenor from its Delegates for a period of four years. The Convenor normally provides the necessary secretariat assistance to support the APLMF.
      To be read in conjunction with
      "Rules of Procedure for APLMF and Collaborations"
    • 5.3. The APLMF Secretariat is currently funded by the responsible economy. The Forum may decide to establish membership fees or make changes for attendance at Forum meetings, workshops and seminars. The Forum will also seek assistance from international funding agencies for specific projects.
  6. RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

    In order to achieve the objectives of APLMF, Members will have the following rights, in particular:
    • 6.1 Members participation in the Forum is voluntary and no decisions of the Forum are binding on the members.
    • 6.2 All Members will have the right to propose specific projects. Such projects will be undertaken by interested Members on terms to be decided between themselves.
    • 6.3 Notwithstanding Clause 6.2, Members will have the right to conduct specific projects independent of APLMF.
    • 6.4 All Members may seek the assistance of either the APLMF Secretariat or other Members directly, to enter into consultancies, secondments, or other mechanisms, on specific measurement problems, on terms to be decided between the parties concerned.
  7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

    Members commit themselves to the pursuance of the objectives and tasks of APLMF. In particular they will have the following responsibilities.
    • 7.1 When an area of metrological activity is under consideration by the Forum, all Members will normally make available to the Forum, information on current and planned work in that area, with the exception of any work carried out in confidence.
    • 7.2 The attainment of the objectives of APLMF requires participation by Members to the extent commensurate with resources and expertise at their disposal.
    • 7.3 Members will make every effort to ensure that necessary resources are made available under their internal procedures to attend meetings and to participate in APLMF activities.
    • 7.4 Members will act through the Convenor in all matters relating to APLMF collaboration.
  8. THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
    • 8.1 This Memorandum of Understanding will come into operation on ........date........... upon signature by at least ten Signatories, legal metrology authorities in ten member economies, but will remain open for further participation within the defined Membership.
    • 8.2 This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended in writing at any time by arrangement between the Signatories, subject to no dissent.
    • 8.3 If a Member, for any reason whatever, intends to terminate its participation, the Signatory will notify the Convenor of the Forum of its intention as soon as possible, preferably not later than three months beforehand.
    • 8.4 This Memorandum of Understanding is concluded for a preliminary term of four years. It will continue in effect unless, within this four-year period or any subsequent four-year period, revision or termination is proposed to the Forum by at least one third of the Signatories.
    Participation in this Memorandum of Understanding is purely voluntary and will not have any binding effect in public international law.

RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR APLMF COLLABORATIONS

  • Article 1 - SCOPE
    These Rules of Procedure apply to APLMF meetings organised within the ambit of APLMF and to the organisation of Collaborative Projects.
  • Article 2 - TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE APLMF
    The APLMF meets to plan and review the activities of APLMF and to discuss its aims and specific tasks.
  • Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP
    • 3.1 Each Signatory shall appoint one organisation as the APLMF Member and inform the Convenor of the appointment. The Signatory will advise the Convenor of any changes in this appointment.
    • 3.2 Each APLMF Member must inform the Convenor of the name, address and contact details of their appointed Delegate. The appointee should have the authority to commit the Member organisation to participate in APLMF activities.
    • 3.3 Each Delegate may be supported at APLMF meetings by advisers and experts but only the Delegate may vote.
    • 3.4 The APLMF may invite additional observers to specified meetings. Observers will not be able to vote.
    • 3.5 Associate Members: The same rules apply as for Members, except that Associate Members do not have the right to vote.
  • Article 4 - CONVENOR
    • 4.1 The Convenor shall be elected from among its Delegates at an APLMF meeting.
    • 4.2 The Convenor's term of office should/shall be four years ending at the first meeting following the completion of this term.
    • 4.3 In the event of the Convenor's term of office coming to an end prematurely, a new Convenor shall be elected in accordance with Article 4.1 for the remainder of the term of office specified in Article 4.2.
    • 4.4 The Convenor may be elected for only one further consecutive term of office.
    • 4.5 The Convenor will ensure the effective operation of the APLMF Secretariat.
    • 4.6 The Convenor will seek appropriate funding to assist Members to attend meetings, conferences and workshops where necessary.
    • 4.7 The Convenor will be responsible for facilitating APLMF intercomparison programs.
    • 4.8 The Convenor will maintain links between APLMF and:
      a) other Regional bodies involved in measurement standards, pattern approval, testing and conformance, and
      b) other region-based metrological bodies.
    • 4.9 The Convenor will represent APLMF as appropriate, at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) fora and inform Members of relevant APEC initiatives and recommendations.
    • 4.10 The Convenor will facilitate the publication of the APLMF Newsletter and other publications.
    • 4.11 The Convenor will ensure that the APLMF Directory of Legal Metrology is regularly updated, and all Members will make every effort to assist in the compilation of this Directory.
  • Article 5 - COLLABORATION
    • 5.1 APLMF Members will submit to the Convenor, for circulation to Delegates, details of projects, seminars, training and workshops for which they wish to seek collaboration within the APLMF.
    • 5.2 The collaborating organisation will appoint a Project Coordinator as the contact point for each Collaborative Project. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for keeping the Convenor informed of progress in that project.
    • 5.3 The Project Coordinator will submit a Management Plan for each Collaborative Project to the Convenor, who will arrange for its distribution to all Delegates.
    • 5.4 None of the foregoing Rules of Procedure restrict collaborating economies from entering into additional agreements on individual projects as they see fit.
  • Article 6 - WORKING PARTIES
    • 6.1 The APLMF may set up ad hoc Working Parties to undertake specific tasks, which are limited in time and have clearly defined terms of reference.
    • 6.2 Members of Working Parties can be either Delegates or persons nominated by Delegates.
  • Article 7 - APLMF SECRETARIAT
    • 7.1 The Secretariat for the APLMF is provided by the Member economy of the Convenor. If this cannot be achieved, the Convenor may request help from some other source.
    • 7.2 The Secretariat will assist the Convenor in the administration of the APLMF.
    • 7.3 The Secretariat will ensure details of collaborations are circulated to all Delegates.
    • 7.4 The Secretariat will be responsible for producing a regular APLMF Newsletter.
    • 7.5 The Secretariat will maintain a complete set of APLMF publications and APLMF Member details.
    • 7.6 Each retiring Secretariat will use its best endeavours to ensure the efficient transfer of APLMF material to the succeeding Secretariat.
  • Article 8 - CONVOCATION OF APLMF MEETINGS
    • 8.1 The APLMF shall meet as often as required but at least once per year.
    • 8.2 The Convenor, in consultation with the Members, will decide the place and date of the meeting. The Convenor shall convene the meeting at least ten weeks in advance.
    • 8.3 Delegates will be asked to inform the Convenor of items they wish to have included on the agenda at least seven weeks in advance of the meeting, unless the meeting is convened under Article 8.4.
    • 8.4 A meeting may also be called at the initiative of the Convenor or at least four delegates, specifying the items to be discussed, within a minimum of six weeks notice.
    • 8.5 Delegates will be sent a draft agenda at least four weeks in advance of all meetings.
    • 8.6 The agenda of all meetings shall be decided by the Forum at the start of the meeting.
  • Article 9 - MEETING PROCEDURES
    • 9.1 Eight Delegates shall constitute a quorum.
    • 9.2 The Forum will attempt to reach conclusions by consensus whenever possible.
    • 9.3 If consensus cannot be reached, decisions shall be based upon the simple majority of votes cast.
    • 9.4 If Delegates are unable to be present at a meeting. they may empower another Delegate to vote on their behalf, provided the Convenor is notified in written form.
    • 9.5 A draft report of the APLMF shall be circulated to all Delegates within one month of the meeting.
  • Article 10 - BUSINESS BY CORRESPONDENCE
    The APLMF can undertake any business it wishes between meetings by correspondence involving all Delegates.
  • Article 11 - AMENDMENT OF RULES OF PROCEDURE
    These Rules of Procedure can only be amended by a majority of at least two thirds of all Delegates. In the event that a majority is not reached and that some Members have not responded, it will be assumed that the non-response represents agreement to the amendment.

    SIGNATORIES TO THE APLMF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
    (List to be attached)